National Urban League 2022 Conference Opens in Washington, D.C.
First-Ever Dual In-Person and Virtual Gathering Draws Vice President Harris; features an Intense Schedule of Dynamic Dialogue, Community Service, Live Entertainment
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 20, 2022) – Facing a civic and social landscape profoundly altered by the COVID pandemic and the dramatic shift in the balance of the Supreme Court, the National Urban League today convened its 2022 Conference in Washington, D.C.
Vice President Kamala Harris will address the Conference on Friday, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial announced.
“America is only beginning to grapple with the aftershocks of the last two years,” Morial said. “The 2022 Conference is an opportunity to highlight and refine the National Urban League’s role in responding not only to the medical and economic crisis of COVID but to the rise of extremism and the unprecedented assault on democracy and civil liberties.”
Continuing through Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the nation’s largest civil rights and social justice conference attracts thousands of the nation’s most influential community leaders, together with top policy-makers, academicians, business leaders, artists, including Vice President Harris.
Vice President Harris will address the Conference during the Legacy Leadership Awards Luncheon at 12:30pm Friday.
“We’re proud to welcome Vice President Harris as we work together to further our shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at every level of society,” said Tim Murphy, Chair of the National Urban League Board of Trustees and Chief Administrative Officer of Mastercard. “The National Urban League Conference has long been a laboratory for urban solutions and an indispensable source of insight for those who lead our nation at the highest levels.”
George H. Lambert Jr., President and CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League said he appreciates the opportunity the Conference presents to showcase the work of the affiliate.
“The support of the District of Columbia community is integral to the empowering work we do,” he said. “The Conference is a chance to shine a national spotlight on these productive relationships and the powerful impact they can have on individuals and communities.
“Bank of America shares in the National Urban League’s mission in breaking down barriers to create meaningful change and opportunity,” said D. Steve Boland, chief administrative officer at Bank of America. “By aligning our financing, our philanthropy and business activities, we provide access to capital and much-needed resources to help our communities prosper and thrive.”
In keeping with the National Urban League’s tradition, President Biden will address the conference and share his vision for repairing the nation’s racial and economic rifts during a plenary session Thursday morning. Friday’s plenary session, State of Black America: Combatting the Threat to Civil Rights & Democracy, includes the leaders of the nation’s legacy civil rights organizations.
“As a committed partner of the National Urban League and longtime Conference sponsor, Nationwide remains invested in bringing together business and thought leaders, policymakers, and leading influencers to advance empowerment and affect change where it is most needed in our communities,” said Gary Douglas, president of Nationwide National Partners and National Urban League Board of Trustees member.
The new Urban League NOW: Experience & Lounge is the ultimate educational, networking, and hospitality experience, plus a co-working space. Visitors can experience the National Urban League’s corporate partners’ newest products and services, including access to a Health & Wellness popup., watch virtual conference sessions in the living room area, sample top beauty products, and walk away with a free headshot from the Career & Networking activation.
“Together with the National Urban League, we are working to improve access to opportunities and invest in the innovators of tomorrow,” said Tellis Bethel, group vice president, Chief Social Innovation Officer, Toyota Motor North America. Toyota’s partnership with the National Urban League spans more than 25 years, and Toyota remains a leader in this year’s conference.
The family-focused Back to School Community & Family Day on Saturday is expected to attract thousands of Washington, D.C.-area residents for informative exhibits, free health screenings, live entertainment sessions, games with prizes, and free shoes and backpacks loaded with school supplies for K-12 students.
Notable speakers, panelists, and honorees include:
- Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League
- George H. Lambert, Jr., President, and CEO, Greater Washington Urban League
- Vice President Kamala Harris
- Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation
- Marcia L. Fudge, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
- Michael S. Regan, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
- Robert L. Santos, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau
- Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser
- Johnathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director, ADL
- David J. Johns, Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition
- Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Professor, Author, Minister, & Political Commentator
- Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice
- Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable
- Lecrae, Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling artist